Jets’ Becton could face lengthy layoff after suffering knee injury in practice
Offensive tackle Mekhi Becton was forced out of practice on Monday after sustaining an injury to his right knee, with further tests scheduled for Tuesday.
The New York Jets’ Mekhi Becton could face a significant spell on the sidelines after leaving Monday’s practice with a knee injury, it is being reported.
MRI reveals significant injury, AP reports
The Associated Press reports that the Jets expect Becton, the team’s projected starting right offensive tackle, to miss significant time after receiving results of an MRI on his right knee. The 2020 first-round pick will undergo further testing Tuesday to determine the severity.
Becton missed nearly all of last season after dislocating his right kneecap in the 2021 opener, but reported to training camp healthy and in acceptable shape after also battling weight issues following surgery in September.
Before worse news emerged, Jets head coach Robert Saleh had told reporters following Monday’s practice that the early indications were that Becton may have avoided a serious injury.
“The only thing I got is that (the knee) is stable and it seems fine,” Saleh said. “That’s preliminary, obviously. We’re just going to get it checked for precautionary reasons. But as of now, it doesn’t seem like it’s a big deal, but knock on wood, hopefully that stays the case.”
Heading into third season with Jets
The 11th overall pick of the 2020 draft, Becton started 13 games at left tackle as a rookie and began last season at the position before getting hurt. The 23-year-old was moved to the right side this offseason with veteran George Fant, who took over left tackle following Becton’s injury, remaining in that spot.
Conor McDermott, who started two games at left tackle in 2021, is currently listed behind Becton on the Jets’ depth chart. Backup left tackle Chuma Edoga started 12 games at tackle, including seven on the right side, between 2019 and 2020.
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